T-Mobile captures Android buzz

Other analysts note that the familiar Google name and services may lead consumers to make their first dip into purchasing a more fully featured smartphone. "If Android is going to pay off for Google, subscribers will need to start buying smartphones without fully realizing what they just purchased,” said Kevin Burden, analyst with ABI Research.

The specs of the G-1 are impressive. The device supports 3G from the T-Mobile network (HSDPA 1700/2100), but it will also run on quadband EDGE services or on Wi-Fi. On the hardware side, it includes a large screen as well as a pull-out keyboard. It features a 3 megapixel camera (but no built-in video capture) as well as Bluetooth (but no A2DP profile) and integrated GPS. On the application side, it comes with a variety of Google apps built in, including search, push Gmail and Google Maps with street view. Access to the Google apps is built into many features of the phone; for instance, clicking on an address in the address book calls up Google Maps.

Most importantly, the phone includes built-in access to the Android Market for third-party application downloads and -- somewhat surprisingly -- a built-in media player with access to more than 6 million digital rights management-free songs and movies from Amazon.com, a direct counterattack on Apple’s iTunes store.

Among the elements lacking: support for enterprise-class Microsoft Exchange (which also was lacking in the initial iPhone release) as well as desktop synchronization software or capabilities. All synching today is done over the air between the T-Mobile network and the device.